It's a Plan... Action Style

This is the link to my Action Plan via Google Docs...

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AlPp8GqoEvHrdGdSeGtKcWI0RElLNWhURzA3MEQ1aFE&hl=en&authkey=CMXb2tsP

Just for a little extra information:

The Cisco Network Academy program provides an online curriculum used in both secondary and post secondary schools to teach the skills necessary to build and manage computer networks.

I Wanna Know...

What development opportunities can I provide to the instructors within the Cisco Training Academy that will increase the usage of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom?

Taking Action on a Topic

The hardest thing about picking a topic was to pick just one. There are several things that I would like to tackle. When it all came down to it though I realized that I am intent on increasing the usage of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom. I still had to figure out an approach for this. Did I want to examine the technology that is available in the classrooms to make recommendations for change in that area? Or did I want to focus on the teachers and their needs? I finally decided, after talking to my mentor, that I could probably attack both of these areas by focusing on the instructors. My plan is to develop training that will help teachers become more comfortable with using Web 2.0 tools in their classroom. I believe that if the teachers are familiar with the tools that are available then they can assess the technology in their classrooms and make their own recommendations based on their needs.

I look forward to taking on this project and seeing where it takes me. I work with an amazing group of educators that I believe will really be receptive to this process. I also think that our students will be excited to see us all embrace the Web 2.0 tools in our classes.

Bloggin' Possibilities

Blogs can serve several purposes for educational leaders. A blog is a great way to capture you thoughts. Then you can refer back them later. Because blogs entries are chronological you are able to review your thoughts on a particular subject over time. Due to advances in technology most people have constant access to their blogs so they can update them at any time. The ability to link to photos, videos, audio file, web sites and other blogs is also an extremely valuable tool. Blogs offer vast possibilities in an educational setting. The number of possibilities is only limited by the bloggers imagination.

What I NOW Know About Action Research

“Simply stated, administrator inquiry refers to the process of a principle engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry.”

Nancy Fichtman Dana
Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principle as Action Researcher

Action research is the process of examining yourself and your environment in an effort to improve the decision-making process. It a multi-step process that one goes through to find a solution to a problem. First the problem must be identified then data about the problem must be gathered. The data is evaluated and then a plan of action is decided upon. Action research is performed by individuals or a group of individuals that are closely attached to or affected by the problem. Whereas traditional research is performed by others that are outside of the issue and the environment in which the issue exists. This means that the traditional researcher does not have the vested interest that the action researcher does. Action research also provides a great opportunity for collaboration. Getting more individuals involved in the process leads to more buy-in when the action plan is introduced. This will mean more individuals are committed to implementing the proposed change because they were a part of the decision and design process.

As an administrator, I would use this process in curriculum design. I would begin my inquiry by examining the skills an individual needs to be successful in a particular industry. This would lead into reviewing literature to learn about the current trends in that industry. Now I can begin to put together the course content. Of course because the work world changes so quickly this process would have to constantly be repeated, helping to ensure that my program was representative of the industry.

Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.